Master of Science in Professional and Technical Communications

This information architecture program gives students an IA education that is focused on research and problem solving. Through hands-on learning techniques, students find themselves particularly well prepared for furthering their professional careers. Communication in all formats has become even more critical today, yet many lack the skills to further their careers in this demanding field. The Master of Science in Professional and Technical Communication helps them achieve their goals. The program's mission is preparing students for a thriving career in our present day as well as the future to come.

Through its online format, this IA program holds true to its established value of being a learning community available anytime and from anywhere. Although it is entirely online-based, the ePortfolio helps the program stay relevant and keep up-to-date with its core competencies.

Students enrolled in this information architecture program will be required to take five core courses (valued at 3 credit hours apiece). These courses are Advanced Professional and Technical Communication; Identity, Technology, and Communication; Communication Theory and Research; Elements of Visual Design; and Advanced Information Design. An additional five courses must be selected, totaling 15 credits minimum.

While there aren't specific concentrations in this IA program, students have 15 or more elective courses to choose from. This gives them the opportunity and freedom to focus on areas of their choosing. Students can select classes that are the most relevant for their professional development or those that simply pique their interest.

This information architecture program requires completion of at least 30 credits, each worth 3 credit hours. The degree program typically takes at least a year to complete. During their IA education, students will be required to create their own ePortfolio (which they will update as they go). There is also a required ePortfolio Capstone Seminar in which students will have to present their portfolios.

Students who are interested in an information architecture program can choose their electives accordingly, allowing for them to focus only on courses that will help them in the field of IA. For example, Research Methods for Information Design, Content Management and Information Architecture, Hypertext Design Studio, and other such IA classes can really help further your professional goals.

All degree programs offered by the New Jersey Institute of Technology are officially accredited by the Middle States Commission of Higher Education. The institute also has professional accreditation by six separate professional societies and boards. Tuition for the 2017/2018 school year cost $1248 per credit for the online graduate programs. Other additional fees should be taken into consideration. Of course, there are always financial aid and scholarships available, so be sure to check out those options before applying to this IA program.

The MS in Professional and Technical Communication is run within the Department of Humanities at New Jersey Institute of Technology. They work in collaboration with the Rutgers Newark Theatre Program, the Federated History Department with Rutgers-Newark, and the Environmental Policy Studies Program at NJIT. JNIT is located in Newark, New Jersey, and is only one 20-minute train ride away from the middle of New York City.